


PRINCIPAL'S REPORT 

TO THE 

BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION 

KANSAS INDUSTRIAL AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE 




1920 



KANSAS STATE PRINTING PLANT 

IMRI ZUMWALT, State Pristbr 

TOPEKA. 1920 

8-3056 



PRINCIPAL'S REPORT 

TO THE 

BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION 

KANSAS INDUSTRIAL AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE 




1920 



KANSAS STATE PRINTING PLANT 

IMRI ZUMWALT, State Printer 

TOPEKA. 1020 

8-3056 



«. •t *. 

JON 2 Jy20 






PRINCIPAL'S REPORT 

To the Board of Administration, Kansas Industrial and 
Educational Institute. 



Gentlemen : I have the honor to present to you a resume of 
the work of the Institute, with a few suggestions bearing on 
its future development. 

Little more than a year ago I was asked to take charge of the 
Institute. About the same time the Hon. J. B. Larimer pre- 
sented a resolution to the board of trustees urging that the 
Institute be put under the Board of Administration. On 
November 29, 1918, the resolution was unanimously adopted at 
a regular meeting held on the grounds of the Institute. 

The purpose of the board in transferring the Institute to 
the Board of Administration was to increase the institution's 
usefulness, which, could well be accomplished through the 
splendid educational organization of the state, with its pur- 
chasing power, and corps of experts in the state colleges and 
universities. That the wisdom of the early founders might be 
maintained, as well as that the race pride and interest of the 
colored people might be fostered, provision was made for five 
advisory members to the Board of Administration. Governor 
Allen wisely appointed four of the founders and loyal friends 
of the Institute, Hon. J. B. Larimer, of Topeka, who has stood 
by the school at all times, and given of his time and means most 
generously and unselfishly ; Hon. John M. Wright, a true leader 
and counselor, and one of Topeka's most useful citizens; Rev. 
J. H. Van Leu, state missionary for twenty-five years, and a 
faithful worker; and Mr. J. R. Rogers, who started with the 
school at its beginning, educated his children here, aided some 
students through the school, and was a substantial donor, giv- 
ing of his time and means as few others could do. The gover- 
nor, out of his anxiety to see the school advance, selected Supt. 
R. A. Kent of the Lawrence public schools, and professor of 
education of Kansas University, as a member of the advisory 
board. This selection by the governor was made only after a 
very careful survey of the state to find the best person for the 
position. Mr. Kent, because of his deep interest in all groups 

(3) 



4 Industrial and Educational Institute. 

of American people, and his ability along educational lines, 
peculiarly fits him for the work for which the governor has 
chosen him. 

In cooperation with the Board of Administration and the 
board of trustees, last summer I proceeded, as directed by them, 
to take all formal steps to put the school entirely under the 
Board of Administration. It was thought that this was an 
appropriate time to substitute the word "Kansas" for "Topeka" 
in order to mark the change. This would prevent people from 
going to the Boys' Industrial School when looking for this one. 




HOSPITAL AND TRAINING SCHOOL 
Which it is planned to erect at the Kansas Industrial and Educational Institute 

to cost $25,000. 

The Institute has been a state school by law and in reality 
since July 1, 1919. I can say that the change has been made 
without the slightest friction. The governor and other mem- 
bers of the board — Dr. Mason, Business Manager Kimball, 
Hon. H. J. Penney, and Hon. E. L. Barrier— have taken the 
very same interest in this school as they have taken in the Agri- 
cultural College, Kansas University, or any other state institu- 
tion. They have in every particular, day or night, gone out of 
their way to help push forward the work of this institution. 
They have saved us many dollars by their judicious purchases. 
When other schools were closed and coal could not be had, this 
school received coal from Lansing along with the other state 
institutions. 



Principal's Report. 5 

Through the State Agricultural College our herd has been 
tested for tuberculosis, our cows have been selected and pur- 
chased. The expert from Manhattan, Dean Potter, was re- 
quested to inspect the buildings and grounds, which he did. 
We will refer later to a portion of his report. The records of 
our dairy herd are being compiled and sent us, showing cost, 
profit, or loss. I mention the above because I know every 
member of the old board will rejoice that their fondest wish 
for the school is being realized. 

STOREROOM. 

Under the direction of the business manager a storeroom 
has been opened and maintained for the benefit of the school. 
Our books for the storeroom and other business are kept ac- 
cording to the best and approved methods. Mr. Porter, of the 
State Hospital, has rendered us much assistance in this respect. 

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS. 

Our buildings and grounds are not as well kept as we care 
to have them, and many of them are in urgent need of repair. 
The porch on the girls' dormitory is very much in need of a 
new roof. Every building on the, grounds is in need of repairs. 
Our funds will not allow such improvement. The state land- 
scape architect, in making survey and study of the grounds, 
says they can be made into a most beautiful campus. He has 
made a tentative map, and will make a permanent map as 
soon as we can furnish him with a topographical survey of the 
grounds, which will cost about $300 as estimated. No part of 
our education is so important as that training which will lead 
the boys and girls to make beautiful homes and give them an 
appreciation for the same. 

The fact that we are located upon a good road, where thou- 
sands of people pass, and that we are so near the capital city 
of the state, adds much to the importance of having a green- 
house with a competent man in charge and the making of our 
grounds a model of perfection. Boys who would take the 
greenhouse work could find a ready demand for their services. 
Because of our location, the greenhouse could be run upon a 
business basis and would in part carry its expenses. 



6 Industrial and Educational Institute. 

OPERATION OF THE SCHOOL. 

The school is divided into the half -day system. All students 

in the high school attend the academic classes in the morning 

and trades in the afternoon. The junior high-school students 

go to trades in the morning, academic classes in the afternoon. 

Rising bell 5 :30 a. m. 

Breakfast 6 :30 to 7 :00 

School opens at. . . 8:00 

Drill for boys, physical culture for girls. ... 8:00 to 8:40 

Academic and trade work 8:40 to 11:20 

Related subjects for the trades 11 :20 to 12 :00 

(Four periods per week, the other being given to music.) 

Chapel 12 :00 to 12 :20 

Sunday services, Sunday school 9:30 to 10:30 

Y. M. C. A. and Y. W. C. A 10:30 to 11:30 

Preaching 3 :00 p. m. 

(By minister of Topeka.) 

Vesper 7 :00 p. m. 




LEARNING TO COOK. 



The forenoon is divided into six 40-minute periods. The 
afternoon is divided into five 30-minute periods, beginning at 
1 :30 and closing at 4. 

A student is given four units credit for academic work, three 
for trades, and one for military science or physical culture 
each year, or eight units per year. Thirty-two units are neces- 
sary for graduation in the high-school department. 

In grading students the school has adopted the following : 

Group I From 90 to 100 

Group II From 80 to 90 

Group III From 70 to 80 

Group IV Below 70 or failing 



Principal's Report. 7 

The following trades are taught young men and young wo- 
men: 

For Boys : For Girls : 

Agriculture. Cooking. 

Woodwork. Sewing. 

Iron work. Laundering. 

Tailoring. Business. 

Printing. Music. 

Business. Nurse training. 

FIRE PROTECTION. 

At present we have no water plugs and hose for protecting 
our buildings, nor have we any fire escapes for the students 
and teachers in case of fire, except on the end of one building, 
boys' dormitory. Adequate protection against fire should be 
provided in keeping with the state law, as well as for the pro- 
tection of life and property. 

SALARIES. 

The demands for teachers are great. Our salaries are now 

below other schools of the state, as well as many other places 

throughout the country. Our present schedule is as follows : 

Beginners: 

At $80 per month, with advance of $5 each year until the maximum is 
reached. 

Head of Divisions or Departments : 

At $100 per month, with an increase of $5 each year until the maximum 
of $125 is reached, for nine months. 

I would advise that the following schedule be adopted in lieu 
of the one now being used : 

Beginners : 

(With five or more years' experience) $80 to $125 per month, with an 
increase of 10 per cent on the previous year's salary until maxi- 
mum is reached. 
For nine months, and $1 per day for those that may attend summer 
school, to assist in paying expenses during the time spent in a school 
approved by this institution. 

Head of Divisions or Departments : 

$100 to $150 per month, with an increase of 10 per cent on the pre- 
vious year's salary until maximum is reached. 

For nine months, and $1 per day for those that may attend summer 
school, to assist in paying expenses during the time spent in a 
school approved by this institution. 

That the salaries be divided into twelve payments; that a 
retirement or pension fund be considered in this connection. 

EXPENSES AND FEES. 

At the present we charge only $10 a month for board, $5 
per year for athletic fee, $5 per semester or $10 per year for 



8 



Industrial and Educational Institute. 



trade fee, $1 per month for laundry, and $1.50 per month for 
tuition for students outside the state. Students are given an 
opportunity to work out what part of their expenses they can. 
I would advise for next year that we charge $12 a month for 
board instead of $10 ; that we add a health fee of $5 to pay for 
a trained nurse (the Red Cross has provided $900 for our 
nurse this year — we have no available funds — the services 
have been most valuable) ; that tuition for nonresident stu- 
dents be increased from $1.50 to $3 per month. 




AUTO MECHANICS FOR YOUNG MEN. 



STUDENT BODY AND TEACHERS. 

Our enrollment stands now as follows : 

Students. 

Boys 73 

Girls 81 

Total . . . 154 

Teachers. 

Men with families 6 

Single men teachers 3 

Lady teachers 9 

Total 18 

These are all we can accommodate in our halls and cottages. 
Four of the teachers with families must live in the boys' dor- 
mitory, and the girls and women teachers live in the girls' dor- 
mitory. We should arrange to accommodate 200 young men 
and 200 young women. The first step in the housing scheme 
is to build at least six more cottages for teachers and give space 



Principal's Report. 9 

in dormitory to the young men. With the families out of the 
boys' dormitory, twenty or more boys could be put there. At 
the present time our dormitories are equipped with three- 
quarter size beds, and we are compelled to have two students 
sleep in one bed, which is insanitary and unhealthful. I hope 
for another year we can have the steel sanitary cots for each 
student. 

EXTENSION WORK. 

With a small appropriation we hold a fair and conference 
here on the grounds each fall, and send speakers in many parts 
of the state. We should like to put on short courses in agri- 
culture, home economics, and the trades ; hold a conference of 
the leaders in June of each year ; a summer school for at least 
six weeks each summer, and have the colored people of the state 
feel free to come to the Institute; and entertain our white 
friends as far as we are able — the legislature one year and the 
Chamber of Commerce the. next, on Lincoln's birthday. This 
institution should function to aid our people and the white 
people in having a common place to meet and have a mutual 
understanding, and keep alive the spirit of Lincoln and John 
Brown. Kansas State Agricultural College has cooperated 
with us in this work, and hope for next year they can assist 
us all they had planned to do this year, which was $3,050. I 
think it well that the board make application now so that we 
might be considered in their budget arrangement. 

TEN-YEAR PROGRAM. 

This is strictly a boarding school; we have no community 
to draw from. We are too far from Topeka even for students 
in the winter to return home. We have no neighborhood in 
which our teachers can go and board. We have to depend on 
cottages or dormitories. I am recommending that six cottages 
be built as soon as possible. At the present time we have a 
family with three children living in a low, damp basement 
room joining the boys' lavatory. The conditions are not sani- 
tary. 

HOSPITAL. 

We have a room in each dormitory for the sick. In case of 
an epidemic or contagious disease we would be at the mercy of 
the malady. I recommend that we put on a strong campaign 
this spring and summer, raising all we can, and ask the legis- 



10 



Industrial and Educational Institute. 



lature for the remainder. A slight effort has been made, with 
splendid results. We have in cash and pledges between $1,500 
and $2,000. Mr. Gamble has made a drawing and estimate of 
such a building, to cost $15,000 to $20,000. With these two 
rooms released we could take care of twelve more students, and 
care for our sick. Services of our nurses have been in great 
demand, and during the "flu" epidemic we sent out all we had 
trained. Such a hospital would enable us to train twenty 
nurses each year. 




THE STATE LEGISLATURE VISITS THE INSTITUTE. 



The boys' dormitory is incomplete- — another wing should be 
added and the porch completed. The estimated cost would be 
$25,000. With this wing added, I would advise that the first 
floor be made into a gymnasium, using our present gym, which 
is full of posts, for dormitories. This addition, with the teach- 
ers moved out of the boys' dormitory, would accommodate 100 
or 125 young men and single teachers. We should ask the next 
legislature for this completion, as the porch is now exposed to 
the weather, having no roof over the same. 



Principal's Report. 11 

BOYS' TRADE BUILDING. 
The boys' trade building is not built so as to accommodate 
the trade. We should and must have two wings added to the 
building to accommodate the machine shop and auto repair, and 
another wing to care for wood machinery and carpenter shop. 
These have been recommended by Dean Potter. It is esti- 
mated that the two wings, built and equipped, would cost $20,- 
000. We should ask the next legislature to provide this. We 
have riot sufficient room to do either well. The basement now 
used for the shop is dark, damp and not large enough — it does 
not in any particular come up to the Federal requirements. We 
cannot teach the trades as they should be taught with such 
equipment and room provided for the same. Large numbers 
of boys come here for mechanical trades. They should be 
taught the trade properly. 

CENTRAL HEATING PLANT. 

The senate of the last regular session of the legislature ap- 
propriated $45,000 for the heating plant, but because of small 
salaries of teachers, and other needs, they were finally per- 
suaded to put the money into salaries and carry this over to 
the next session. They did provide for one furnace, which has 
been installed. We should ask that $65,000 be provided for a 
central heating plant at the next regular session. When this 
is installed we should consider producing our own electricity 
and moving our small ice plant and laundry to the same build- 
ing ; it requires an extra boiler for the laundry, as our present 
quarters are too small and are needed for dormitory space. 
The laundry is at present located in the girls' dormitory. 

ADDITIONAL LANDS. 

Land around the school will never be cheaper. Now is the 
time to purchase what we shall need for many years to come. 
Eighty acres north of us can be purchased for $15,000 to $20,- 
000 ; and 150 acres east of us for $35,000 to $40,000 ; forty 
acres south of us for $4,000 to $6,000 ; 70 acres west of us for 
$15,000 to $20,000. Three hundred acres can be purchased 
for less than $100,000. 

COMMUNITY TO BE ESTABLISHED. 

Under the proposals of Governor Allen in his tenantry 
amendment it is proposed to sell small tracts of land above 
mentioned to young farmers, graduates of the schools pre- 



12 Industrial and Educational Institute. 

ferred, for the starting of truck farms, and thus build up a 
community of good citizens with the school as a center. 

DAIRY BARN AND DAIRY. 

The last legislature appropriated $1,250 for live stock and 
dairy cattle; $250 for stanchions. The stanchions have been 
installed and seven cows purchased. The cows will make a 
nucleus or foundation for a future herd of thirty or forty head 
of the best cattle in the state; first, to supply milk for the 
school, and second, to furnish ample practice for the young men 
who come to school to take live stock and dairying. A dairy 
barn and dairy are needed, and should be built for $25,000. 

AGRICULTURE AND GENERAL SCIENCE BUILDING. 

To complete a group of buildings in keeping with the state of 
Kansas, an agricultural and science building, to cost some- 
thing like $250,000, and contain space for domestic arts, do- 
mestic science, agricultural chemistry, auditorium and gym- 
nasium, should be built, turning our present home-economics 
building into a library. An engineering building to cost about 
$250,000 should be built near this building, and our present 
trades school converted into a dormitory. 

THE MISSION OF THIS INSTITUTE. 

With a growing Negro population, this institution should 
function in a most helpful way, just as Manhattan is doing for 
the white boys and girls. While it is true that the doors are 
open to the boys and girls throughout the state of Kansas and 
should be, the truth remains that but few of them ever enter or 
complete a course of study in an institution above high school. 
This is not a matter of prejudice or bad feeling, but a condition. 
This school, like all others, should act as a social center. 

The Negroes in the state of Kansas are dying as fast or 
faster than the Negroes in Louisiana, and twice as fast as the 
white people of this state. The Negroes are dying at the rate 
of 21 per thousand, and the white 10.01 per thousand. Could 
we not serve by connecting this institution with other forces ; 
and with our hospital and nurse training send our graduates 
to help improve a real condition that is so much needed among 
our people? The state should let us do this. 

THE NEGRO FARMERS. 

The Negro farmers are decreasing at the rate of 20 per 
year. They are going to the cities and towns, and in too many 



Principal's Report. 13 

cases are helping to fill up the penitentiary, reformatory, and 
industrial schools for boys and girls. These farmers are not 
leaving the farm because the white people mistreat them, but 
are trying to improve the social conditions of their children. 
Our extension worker for women reports the lack of organiza- 
tion for social improvement as well as otherwise. Through our 
extension service a colored man and woman should go into 
every colored home in Kansas and. carry our people the same 
kind of encouragement that Manhattan workers carry to the 
white people of the state. Some of our people in Kansas are in 
the very same condition as many other people in the South 
who live in a colored community ; they die for the lack of social 
organization. They have had no one to pull them together. As 
their children grow up they move to town. The extension 
work is changing that condition. Should not this institution 
aid the colored farmers? I went into a few communities last 
summer, one at Oskaloosa and one at Pratt. At Oskaloosa they 
are going to town ; at Pratt they are headed towards the coun- 
try in some respect. 

Auto repairing, tractioneering, and blacksmithing are 
needed more in Kansas than in any other state in the Union, as 
well as other mechanic arts. This institution should help send 
boys back to the small towns and farms. There is a demand for 
them. 

TEACHERS' TRAINING. 

As a matter of aiding in the work of education, I would urge 
that we add a two-year course in teacher training and trades, 
giving the work the grade of junior college. We have more 
than one million Negro children of school age not in school in 
the South. Our graduates can find a great field as teachers of 
vocational and academic subjects. We should not let this op- 
portunity pass. The Federal government will pay half or all 
the salary under the Smith-Hughes law. 

NEGRO MUSIC. 

Recent development in Negro music has awakened interest 
and a desire for more serious study among students. We need 
at least two teachers to meet the growing demand for such 
study, and to perpetuate the Negro folk song. A group of 
singers sent over the state in the summer would serve in a most 
helpful way, and with little expense to the school, to foster an 
appreciation for our music. 



14 Industrial and Educational Institute. 

NEW TRADES. 

We should add cobbling, masonry, and plumbing to our 
trades as soon as we can get funds. This would help the school 
and serve to keep up repairs in a first-class way. 
FARM DEMONSTRATION STATION. 

We should have trucking and fruit growing to show what 
can be done with vegetables and fruits, live stock and poultry, 
as well as general farm crops. I advise that the same be added 
as a part of the extension work. 

DONATIONS. 

Oil land has been given to the school by Mr. Chas. Cutler. 
As stated above, we need cottages. I suggest that we try to 
get cash from Mr. Cutler now and build cottages for teachers. 

A house in town worth $2,000 has been given to us. There is 
an incumbrance of $600 to $800 on the property. I advise that 
we pay off this incumbrance, get a good title to the same, sell 
the property, and build a cottage at the school. 

THINGS WE SHOULD ASK THE LEGISLATURE FOR AT ITS 

NEXT SESSION. 

Overhauling and improving our sewage system, and connecting 

buildings with the same $5,000 

Fire plugs ; fire escapes 2,500 

Completion of boys' dormitory 25,000 

Two wings to the boys' trade building, as recommended by Dean 
Potter of Manhattan, and equipment, one for machine and 
automobile shop, and one for wood machinery and carpentry; 

$10,000 each 20,000 

Central heating plant, with room for laundry, storage, and 

equipment for producing electricity, etc 65,000 

Salaries for the biennium 60,000 

Appropriation for maintenance, extension, and any expense that 

may be incurred during next biennium 60,000 

Two cottages for teachers 8,000 

Additional land, about 300 acres 100,000 

Greenhouse and equipment 5,000 

Roads and sidewalks 5,000 

Live stock 2,500 

Total $358,000 

Respectfully submitted. 

G. R. Bridgeforth, Principal. 



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